Leon Bailey has been an Everton target this summer as the Toffees boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bolster the flanks. Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray may have not been colossal signings but they are prudent additions. Apart from Bailey, Burnley’s Dwight McNeil is also a player admired by the Toffees.
Bailey has been on the radar of many English sides for quite some time now. One can go to lengths to explain how ineffective and underperforming Everton’s flanks have been for years. Despite spending big on wingers, the return on investment has been pretty mediocre. Players like Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie, Cuco Martina, Ademola Lookman and others have come and gone without creating much buzz through their performances.
Rafa Benitez has signed two wingers but Townsend is likely to be a squad player rather than a starter week in week out. Gray adds pace and is capable of playing on either wing as well as an attacking midfielder. The Spaniard is still keen to add more wide options to the Everton roster.
Bailey was an apt candidate to be the starter for Everton on the flank. The Jamaican is young and one of the most exciting wingers in Europe. At 23, he is yet to hit his prime and Everton could have extracted the best out of him. However, Aston Villa have edged out Everton and other interested teams in Bailey’s chase. According to Sky Sports, the Birmingham side has completed Bailey’s signing on a four year deal.
Leon Bailey to Aston Villa could be good news for Everton in Dwight McNeil chase
While this will sound like a blow to Toffees’ transfer plans as the Jamaican was one of the top targets, it might not be too bad in the end. There could be a silver lining in Everton losing to Villa in Bailey’s chase. With Villa completing Bailey’s acquisition, Everton could now be well placed in the race to sign Dwight McNeil.
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Burnley attacker McNeil was on the wish list of Aston Villa and Everton. The 21 year old is one of the most attractive and exuberant wingers in the Premier League and has been an integral part of the Burnley squad. If you are an Everton fan, you would fondly remember the outrageous goal McNeil scored at Goodison Park last season. That is the sort of quality the 21 year old brings to the table.
As per Lancs Live, Aston Villa does hold an interest in McNeil but with Bailey’s arrival, they are unlikely to launch an offer for the Clarets star. The Villians also signed Emiliano Buendia earlier in the window meaning they are well stocked in the wing area.
This spells good news for Everton as one of their prime competitors are likely to pull out of the McNeil race. However, it is worth noting that despite renowned interest, the Merseysiders are yet to make a formal offer for the Englishman.
McNeil’s deal with the Clarets runs till 2024 with an option for a further year and negotiating a transfer fee can prove to be a tricky business. Everton’s valuation of £25 million falls short and will not tempt Burnley into locking any deal.
Though, one cannot completely rule out Villa from McNeil’s chase as Villa’s stance could also depend on Jack Grealish’s future. But, if the Royal Blues do move quickly and strike a deal with Burnley, McNeil would be a welcome addition to Benitez’s squad.
Will the Toffees manage to sign Dwight McNeil from Burnley?